Exploration

Do you know everything there is to know about your local area? Have you visited all of the fascinating attractions, enjoyed the sights, and tried the cuisines that a traveler to your home town might? What delights can you discover by looking at your local landscape with the eyes of an explorer?

This challenge offers a chance to step outside of your daily routine and delight your mind with novelty. New experiences have been proven to help people be happy and perceive time more slowly!

Habit:
Walk, hike, or bike a new route

To Do:
Try out an eatery you’ve never sampled
Go to a local attraction you’ve never visited
Explore your neighborhood with fresh eyes

Reflection:
I enjoyed this challenge, and the guildmembers who posted about their experiences clearly did too. I took the opportunity to check out a pick-your-own blueberries farm, and ate at the Smithsonian Chowderhouse (which has become a family favorite). Taking a new route and looking at my neighborhood through fresh eyes were actually the most challenging part of the month, since I’ve spent the bulk of the time since I’ve lived here walking for exercise and varying my route over time until I’m quite familiar with all of the little side streets. Exploring can be a lot of fun when you make the time for it!